Are you tired of the sweltering temperature down south? Do you want to cool off while witnessing the wonders of a world of winter? Well don't just stand there! Why don't you come to the Tundra? Come experience the wonderful feeling of seeing different kinds of species by day and night, not a place you can find anywhere but the Tundra. You will encounter some of the lowest temperatures on earth. The Tundra is the youngest of all biomes. 65 million years ago, in the Paleocene Epoch, the Tundra used to be a Tropical Forest land but over a long period of time it has turned into the snowy Biome we call the Tundra. Come see the heart stopping scenery that you can't find anywhere else on Earth. Come see some of the most exotic animals like a fierce arctic fox or even a newborn polar bear. This is a place you have to experience once in a life time. Even the climate is amazing; it'll soon cool you down the moment you step in the tundra zone. Even if you don't like the cold, don't let the frigid temperatures stop you from coming to the Tundra. Well, why don't you pack up some warm winter coats and head to the Tundra? If you don't come visit the Tundra, you'll be missing such an amazing opportunity to witness nature at your fingertips.
3 Distinct Locations of the Tundra
The Tundra Biome exists in 3 distinct locations in the world which includes the Alpine Tundra up the mountain, the Arctic Tundra occupying near the Arctic Ocean, and the Marielandia Antarctic tundra in Antarctica.
Alpine Tundra:
Distinct Locations of the Alpine Tundra that can be near you.
Climate
As you see above, the Alpine tundra is located in the grey shaded area up on the vigorous mountain range. If you like to go hiking up the mountains, I suggest that you go visit the Alpine Tundra. Whenever you're sick of the sweltering climate down south, come to the tundra and let its wonderful coldness cool you down. Even though the temperatures in the Alpine tundra are below 25°F (−4°C), you can do many activities such as skiing and building a snowman (Geography).
Terrain
The Alpine Tundra is very mountainous. The word “alpine” comes from the the Alps mountain range in Europe. The Alpine ecosystems are usually the highest in elevation. It has a mix of Tundra and evergreen forests grow there. The Alpine Tundra is usually located on the top of mountains, near tree lines, glaciers, and snow. The Alpine covers an estimated area of 10,000 feet (3000 m) near the equator. About 88% of Alpine areas are in the Northern Hemisphere. The Alpines are mostly below freezing, low precipitation, and the Polar Tundra are very much alike (Warhol).
Highlighted Species
The Alpine tundra provides a variety of exotic species unique to its distinct location.
Alpine Tundra Animals:
Mountain Goat:
Mountain Goat (Oreamnos americanus), Glacier National Park
Mountain Goats are a fascinating creature that sure is a rare sight to see them in your life time but don't miss the chance when you can come to an Alpine tundra and witness with your very eye, a MOUNTAIN GOAT. Mountain Goats inhabited North American's mountain ranges(Moore, Peter D). They are herbivores(Moore, Peter D), so they won't go on rampage to hunt you down so don't worry. These Mountain Goats are mammals with distinctive beards and long, warm fur coats that protects them from the cold temperatures on the mountain(Moore, Peter D). Since they are herbivores they eat plants, grasses, mosses, and other vegetation(Moore, Peter D).
Elk:
Photo: Male elk, or wapiti, forages for food under a thick blanket of snow
Elks are very interesting, they have another name that they can go by, they are often called "wapiti" meaning light-colored deer(Elk). Elks are a branch family that's related back to the main family of deer(Elk). Just like Mountain Goats, Elks are also mammals and is a fellow herbivore(Elk). Even though they live in the same Alpine region, the Mountain Goats inhabit the mountain areas.
Alpine Tundra Food Web:
Wondrous Alpine Food Web
Arctic Tundra:
Artic Tundra
Climate
The Arctic Tundra is mainly found in the Northern Hemisphere and in some areas in the Southern Hemisphere. In the Arctic Tundra, there are only two seasons, winter and summer. Even though in some places the sun really warms the tundra itself, the Arctic tundra is a little unique in its own ways of only warming the tundra about 3°C to 12°C. During the winter, the temperature drops about -34° C (-30° F) while during the summer time, the temperature averages about 3-12° C (37-54° F). There is not much precipitation in the Arctic tundra, only 6 to 10 inches per year. Most of the precipitation is snow. The Arctic tundra has over 1,700 types of plants native to the region which makes it unique in its own way (Arctic Tundra).
Terrain
There are three parts of the Arctic tundra: the high, the middle, and the low Arctic tundra. The high Arctic tundra is in the islands in the Arctic Ocean. The high Arctic tundra has plants including lichen and moss that grow on rocks. The middle Arctic tundra is in the Arctic coastal plain. The middle Arctic tundra has a thin layer of permafrost. The low Arctic tundra is where the rest of the tundras are. In the low Arctic tundra there are tall shrubs and a thick layer of permafrost (Biomes of the World). .
The tundra biome located throught the world
Arctic Tundra Animals:
Arctic Fox:
The Arctic Fox is one of many fauna that live in the Tundra regions of Eurasia, North America, Greenland, and Iceland (Dewey). This herbivore has fluffy dense fur that protects them and keeps them warm through the harsh climate. Throughout the winter, the foxes fur is plain white, and during the summer it turns a grey-brown. The Arctic Fox tends to eat any food that they can find, traveling in small groups. They feed on animals that are alive or dead, they really have no preference, other than small mammals. The plants that they eat are usually fruits. Arctic foxes build their habitats on either an open ground in which they make a den, or in a pile of small rocks that lay near the edge of the cliff (Dewey) .
Young Arctic Fox
Vulpes lagopus
Snowy Owl:
Snowy Owls are snow-white birds are mostly nocturnal animals who perch low to the ground in order to catch their prey. They mainly feed on small rodents, such as lemmings, rabbits, and fish (Snowy) . An adaptation that helps them hunt is their amazing sight, and great hearing (Snowy). The snowy owls find it easier to lay more eggs when the food isn't scarce, and when it is scarce the owl waits until there is more food for their babies to feed on before they lay their eggs. Two mates protect their nest very seriously. Baby Snowy Owls have brown feathers that then turn into white feathers. Their appearance include white feathers, black beaks, and yellow eyes (Snowy).
Snowy White Owl
Catching Prey
\
Polar Bear:
The polar bear, is among the largest mammals on the earth.They are located in parts of Norway, Alaska, Greenland, and Russia (Polar). They can weigh up to 1400 pounds and stand up to 8 feet tall. Their white coat and black skin are designed to retain heat and absorb any heat available in order for them to survive the frigid temperatures. Like the Arctic Fox, the Polar Bear makes a den, but is located near water. Their habitat is located here, because their main diet consists of seals which live there (Polar). In order to catch these seals, the Polar Bear is able to swim. The reproduction season for these enormous mammals is spring, then the following winter the mother gives birth to usually 2 cubs.
Mother & cubs
Cubs
Polar Bear
Arctic Food Web:
Arctic Food Web
Marielandia Antarctic Tundra:
Antarctic Tundra Locations in Marilandia
Climate
If you are ever planning to visit Marielandia Antarctica Tundra, I suggest that you bring a warm heavy coat because the temperatures exceed 0°C and can drop to -15°C in winter. Even though this tundra region can be one of the coldest place on Earth, for those who like EXTREME sports, we welcome you to the never ending land of snow. This tundra region is packed with endless snow of fun activities that the whole family can enjoy such as skiing, scuba diving with the seals, or just playing in the snow. Marielandia Antarctic Tundra is home to six native species of seals, along with native thirty-seven seabirds that hovers over the region, and lastly the kids favorite, six native species of Penguins (Marielandia).
Terrain
If your planning a trip to the Antarctica Tundra, better bring so good boots that will be able to grip that ice. The Marielandia Antarctica Tundra is a frozen land. The thickness of this ice is 7,963ft and the average elevation is 7,443ft. Some mountains as tall as 16,250ft (Marielandia).
Marielandia Antarctic Tundra Animals:
Crabeater Seal:
Crabeater seal. Source: Mike Cameron/NOAA
The Crabeater Seal is one of the six native seals of Marielandia Antarctic Tundra and also one of 19 species of marine mammals in the family of True Seals(Crabeater Seal).It may be referred to as the "White Antarctic Seal"(Crabeater Seal). By its name, there is no evidence that it eats crabs but rather eats Krills(Crabeater Seal). This animal is a wonder to the world, by its unique name and cut chubby exterior.
The Crabeater Seal's primary food are Krills, and Euphausia superba and also eats other invertebrates(Crabeater Seal). The Crabeater seal feeds by swimming through a school of krill, while opening its mouth which works effectively in giving it a full course meal(Crabeater Seal). It lives on the pack ice and the near freezing water surrounding Antarctica(Crabeater Seal).
EmperorPenguin:
Emperor Penguins are one of seventeen species of flightless birds that's also one of the native animals in Antarctica(Emperor Penguin). Just like the other penguins, these Emperor Penguins exterior appearance have stiff wings, excellent swimming ability, and awkward movement out of water(Emperor Penguin). Within the Antarctic ecosystem, these Emperor Penguins play a role as the predators of small Actinopterygii, Cephalopoda, and Crustacea while they are a prey for larger predators such as leopard seals and large Chondrichthyes(Emperor Penguin). Their diet mainly consists of Crustacea, Actinopterygii, and Cephalopoda(Emperor Penguin).
Emperor penguins with young in a breeding colony. Source: NOAA/Giuseppe Zibordi
14.Hannemann, Nicole. "Arctic." The Encyclopedia of the Earth. National Council for Science and the Environment, 6 Jan. 2010. Web. 18 Mar. 2013. <http://www.eoearth.org/article/Arctic>.
18. McGinley, Mark, ed. "Tundra Biome." The Encyclopedia of the Earth. University of California Museum of Palentolody, 23 Dec. 2009. Web. 12 Mar. 2013. <http://www.eoearth.org/article/Tundra_biome>.
Table of Contents
Introduction:
Are you tired of the sweltering temperature down south? Do you want to cool off while witnessing the wonders of a world of winter? Well don't just stand there! Why don't you come to the Tundra? Come experience the wonderful feeling of seeing different kinds of species by day and night, not a place you can find anywhere but the Tundra. You will encounter some of the lowest temperatures on earth. The Tundra is the youngest of all biomes. 65 million years ago, in the Paleocene Epoch, the Tundra used to be a Tropical Forest land but over a long period of time it has turned into the snowy Biome we call the Tundra. Come see the heart stopping scenery that you can't find anywhere else on Earth. Come see some of the most exotic animals like a fierce arctic fox or even a newborn polar bear. This is a place you have to experience once in a life time. Even the climate is amazing; it'll soon cool you down the moment you step in the tundra zone. Even if you don't like the cold, don't let the frigid temperatures stop you from coming to the Tundra. Well, why don't you pack up some warm winter coats and head to the Tundra? If you don't come visit the Tundra, you'll be missing such an amazing opportunity to witness nature at your fingertips.
3 Distinct Locations of the TundraThe Tundra Biome exists in 3 distinct locations in the world which includes the Alpine Tundra up the mountain, the Arctic Tundra occupying near the Arctic Ocean, and the Marielandia Antarctic tundra in Antarctica.
Alpine Tundra:
Climate
As you see above, the Alpine tundra is located in the grey shaded area up on the vigorous mountain range. If you like to go hiking up the mountains, I suggest that you go visit the Alpine Tundra. Whenever you're sick of the sweltering climate down south, come to the tundra and let its wonderful coldness cool you down. Even though the temperatures in the Alpine tundra are below 25°F (−4°C), you can do many activities such as skiing and building a snowman (Geography).Terrain
The Alpine Tundra is very mountainous. The word “alpine” comes from the the Alps mountain range in Europe. The Alpine ecosystems are usually the highest in elevation. It has a mix of Tundra and evergreen forests grow there. The Alpine Tundra is usually located on the top of mountains, near tree lines, glaciers, and snow. The Alpine covers an estimated area of 10,000 feet (3000 m) near the equator. About 88% of Alpine areas are in the Northern Hemisphere. The Alpines are mostly below freezing, low precipitation, and the Polar Tundra are very much alike (Warhol).Highlighted Species
The Alpine tundra provides a variety of exotic species unique to its distinct location.Alpine Tundra Animals:
Mountain Goat:Mountain Goats are a fascinating creature that sure is a rare sight to see them in your life time but don't miss the chance when you can come to an Alpine tundra and witness with your very eye, a MOUNTAIN GOAT. Mountain Goats inhabited North American's mountain ranges(Moore, Peter D). They are herbivores(Moore, Peter D), so they won't go on rampage to hunt you down so don't worry. These Mountain Goats are mammals with distinctive beards and long, warm fur coats that protects them from the cold temperatures on the mountain(Moore, Peter D). Since they are herbivores they eat plants, grasses, mosses, and other vegetation(Moore, Peter D).
Elk:
Elks are very interesting, they have another name that they can go by, they are often called "wapiti" meaning light-colored deer(Elk). Elks are a branch family that's related back to the main family of deer(Elk). Just like Mountain Goats, Elks are also mammals and is a fellow herbivore(Elk). Even though they live in the same Alpine region, the Mountain Goats inhabit the mountain areas.
Alpine Tundra Food Web:
Arctic Tundra:
Climate
The Arctic Tundra is mainly found in the Northern Hemisphere and in some areas in the Southern Hemisphere. In the Arctic Tundra, there are only two seasons, winter and summer. Even though in some places the sun really warms the tundra itself, the Arctic tundra is a little unique in its own ways of only warming the tundra about 3°C to 12°C. During the winter, the temperature drops about -34° C (-30° F) while during the summer time, the temperature averages about 3-12° C (37-54° F). There is not much precipitation in the Arctic tundra, only 6 to 10 inches per year. Most of the precipitation is snow. The Arctic tundra has over 1,700 types of plants native to the region which makes it unique in its own way (Arctic Tundra).Terrain
There are three parts of the Arctic tundra: the high, the middle, and the low Arctic tundra. The high Arctic tundra is in the islands in the Arctic Ocean. The high Arctic tundra has plants including lichen and moss that grow on rocks. The middle Arctic tundra is in the Arctic coastal plain. The middle Arctic tundra has a thin layer of permafrost. The low Arctic tundra is where the rest of the tundras are. In the low Arctic tundra there are tall shrubs and a thick layer of permafrost (Biomes of the World)..
Arctic Tundra Animals:
Arctic Fox:
The Arctic Fox is one of many fauna that live in the Tundra regions of Eurasia, North America, Greenland, and Iceland (Dewey). This herbivore has fluffy dense fur that protects them and keeps them warm through the harsh climate. Throughout the winter, the foxes fur is plain white, and during the summer it turns a grey-brown. The Arctic Fox tends to eat any food that they can find, traveling in small groups. They feed on animals that are alive or dead, they really have no preference, other than small mammals. The plants that they eat are usually fruits. Arctic foxes build their habitats on either an open ground in which they make a den, or in a pile of small rocks that lay near the edge of the cliff (Dewey) .
Snowy Owl:
Snowy Owls are snow-white birds are mostly nocturnal animals who perch low to the ground in order to catch their prey. They mainly feed on small rodents, such as lemmings, rabbits, and fish (Snowy) . An adaptation that helps them hunt is their amazing sight, and great hearing (Snowy). The snowy owls find it easier to lay more eggs when the food isn't scarce, and when it is scarce the owl waits until there is more food for their babies to feed on before they lay their eggs. Two mates protect their nest very seriously. Baby Snowy Owls have brown feathers that then turn into white feathers. Their appearance include white feathers, black beaks, and yellow eyes (Snowy).
Polar Bear:
The polar bear, is among the largest mammals on the earth.They are located in parts of Norway, Alaska, Greenland, and Russia (Polar). They can weigh up to 1400 pounds and stand up to 8 feet tall. Their white coat and black skin are designed to retain heat and absorb any heat available in order for them to survive the frigid temperatures. Like the Arctic Fox, the Polar Bear makes a den, but is located near water. Their habitat is located here, because their main diet consists of seals which live there (Polar). In order to catch these seals, the Polar Bear is able to swim. The reproduction season for these enormous mammals is spring, then the following winter the mother gives birth to usually 2 cubs.
Arctic Food Web:
Marielandia Antarctic Tundra:
Climate
If you are ever planning to visit Marielandia Antarctica Tundra, I suggest that you bring a warm heavy coat because the temperatures exceed 0°C and can drop to -15°C in winter. Even though this tundra region can be one of the coldest place on Earth, for those who like EXTREME sports, we welcome you to the never ending land of snow. This tundra region is packed with endless snow of fun activities that the whole family can enjoy such as skiing, scuba diving with the seals, or just playing in the snow. Marielandia Antarctic Tundra is home to six native species of seals, along with native thirty-seven seabirds that hovers over the region, and lastly the kids favorite, six native species of Penguins (Marielandia).Terrain
If your planning a trip to the Antarctica Tundra, better bring so good boots that will be able to grip that ice. The Marielandia Antarctica Tundra is a frozen land. The thickness of this ice is 7,963ft and the average elevation is 7,443ft. Some mountains as tall as 16,250ft (Marielandia).Marielandia Antarctic Tundra Animals:
Crabeater Seal:The Crabeater Seal is one of the six native seals of Marielandia Antarctic Tundra and also one of 19 species of marine mammals in the family of True Seals(Crabeater Seal).It may be referred to as the "White Antarctic Seal"(Crabeater Seal). By its name, there is no evidence that it eats crabs but rather eats Krills(Crabeater Seal). This animal is a wonder to the world, by its unique name and cut chubby exterior.
The Crabeater Seal's primary food are Krills, and Euphausia superba and also eats other invertebrates(Crabeater Seal). The Crabeater seal feeds by swimming through a school of krill, while opening its mouth which works effectively in giving it a full course meal(Crabeater Seal). It lives on the pack ice and the near freezing water surrounding Antarctica(Crabeater Seal).
Emperor Penguin:
Emperor Penguins are one of seventeen species of flightless birds that's also one of the native animals in Antarctica(Emperor Penguin). Just like the other penguins, these Emperor Penguins exterior appearance have stiff wings, excellent swimming ability, and awkward movement out of water(Emperor Penguin). Within the Antarctic ecosystem, these Emperor Penguins play a role as the predators of small Actinopterygii, Cephalopoda, and Crustacea while they are a prey for larger predators such as leopard seals and large Chondrichthyes(Emperor Penguin). Their diet mainly consists of Crustacea, Actinopterygii, and Cephalopoda(Emperor Penguin).
Marielandia Antarctic Tundra Food Web:
Works Cited
1.The Alpine Biome. Marietta College Department of Biology and Environmental Science, n.d. Web. <http://www.marietta.edu/~biol/biomes/alpine.htm>.
2.Alpine Biomes. Marietta College Department of Biology and Environmental Science, n.d. Web. <http://www.marietta.edu/~biol/biomes/biome_main.htm>.
3.Arctic and Antarctica. MarineBio, 1998. Web. 20 Mar. 2013. <http://marinebio.org/oceans/arctic-antarctic.asp>.
4.Arctic Tundra. Biomes of the World, n.d. Web. <http://www.thewildclassroom.com/biomes/arctictundra.html>.
5.Ballard, Kacey, ed. The Tundra Biome. This page was created by the Biomes Group of the Fall 96 Biology 1B class, section 115, at UC Berkeley, 1 Apr. 2004. Web. 13 Mar. 2013. <http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/glossary/gloss5/biome/tundra.html>.
6.Biomes of The Earth Online. Biomes of the Earth, n.d. Web. 15 Mar. 2013. <http://online.factsonfile.com/tundra/chapters/geography-of-the-tundra.aspx>.
7.Biomes of the World. Department of Geospatial Science, Radford University, n.d. Web. 2012. <https://php.radford.edu/~swoodwar/biomes/?page_id=89>.
8.Biomes of The World. UCMP, n.d. Web. <http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/glossary/gloss5/biome/tundra.html>.
9.Crabeater Seal. Encyclopedia of Earth, 30 June 2012. Web. 21 May 2011. <http://www.eoearth.org/article/Crabeater_seal?topic=49540>.
10.Dewey, Tanya. "Vulpes lagopus Arctic Fox." Animal Diversity Web. Middlebrook, C., 2007. Web. 13 Mar. 2013. <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Vulpes_lagopus/>.
11.Elk. National Geographic, 1996. Web. <http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/elk/>.
12.Emperor Penguin. Encyclopedia of the World, 15 Jan. 2010. Web. 12 Nov. 2012. <http://www.eoearth.org/article/Emperor_penguin?topic=49540>.
13."Geography of the Tundra." Biomes of the Earth Online. Infobase Publishing. Web. 18 Mar. 2013. <http://online.factsonfile.com/RecURL.aspx?did=57386>.
14.Hannemann, Nicole. "Arctic." The Encyclopedia of the Earth. National Council for Science and the Environment, 6 Jan. 2010. Web. 18 Mar. 2013. <http://www.eoearth.org/article/Arctic>.
15.Himalayan Mountains, Asia. Glogster, 2000. Web. <?http://www.glogster.com/tiawright/alpine/g-6lvimlt0mgrhnsj8k961ba0>.
16. Marielandia Antarctic Tundra. Encyclopedia of Earth, 3 Mar. 2013. Web. 3 Dec. 2008. <http://www.eoearth.org/article/Marielandia_Antarctic_tundra>.
17. Marine Environment, Antarctic Food Web. Discovering Antarctica, n.d. Web. 20 Mar. 2013. <http://www.discoveringantarctica.org.uk/alevel_3_3.html>.
18. McGinley, Mark, ed. "Tundra Biome." The Encyclopedia of the Earth. University of California Museum of Palentolody, 23 Dec. 2009. Web. 12 Mar. 2013. <http://www.eoearth.org/article/Tundra_biome>.
19. Moore, Peter D., and Richard Garratt. Tundra. New York: Chelsea, 2006. Print.
Mountain Goat. National Geographic, 1996. Web. <http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/mountain-goat/>.
20. Mudd-Ruth, Maria. The Tundra. New York: Benchmark, 2000. Print.
National Geographic. National Geographic, n.d. Web. 2013. <http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/habitats/tundra-profile/>.
21. National Park Service. National Park Service, US Department of Interior, n.d. Web. 1 Mar. 2013. <http://www.nps.gov/romo/naturescience/alpine_tundra_ecosystem.htm>.
22. Nelson, Rob. "Alpine Tundra Biome." Biomes of the World. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2013. <http://www.thewildclassroom.com/biomes/alpinetundra.html>.
23. Orr, Margaret, ed. "the tundra biome." the tundra biome. Margaret orr, n.d. Web. 22 Mar. 2013. <http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/exhibits/biomes/tundra.php>.
24. "Polar Animals." Tundra Animals. The Animal Spot, 2008. Web. 14 Mar. 2013. <http://www.tundraanimals.net/guide/polarbear.html>.
25. "Snowy Owl." National Geographic Kids. National Geographic Society, 1996. Web. 14 Mar. 2013. <http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/animals/creaturefeature/snowy-owl/>.
26. Snowy Owl Budo Scadiacus. The Owl Pages, n.d. Web. <http://www.owlpages.com/image.php?image=species-Bubo-scandiacus-3>.
27. Thurston High School. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Mar. 2013. <http://ths.sps.lane.edu/biomes/tundra4/tundra4c.html>.
28. "Tundra." Mitchell Cooper. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Mar. 2013. the tundra might be cold but if you want to warm up go to the alpine tundra!
29. The Tundra Biome. U of California Museum of Paleontology, n.d. Web. <http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/exhibits/biomes/tundra.php>.
30. The Tundra Biome. doesnt say, n.d. Web. <http://www.marietta.edu/~biol/biomes/tundra.htm>.
31. "The Tundra Biome." Marietta College. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Mar. 2013. <http://www.marietta.edu/~biol/biomes/tundra.htm>.
32. Tundra Map. National Geographic, 1996. Web. <http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/habitats/tundra-map/>.